diseases of heart - #16630
I am feeling really anxious about my health these days. My dad had serious issues with diseases of heart, and honestly, I always tried to brush it off thinking it was just family history stuff that wouldn’t affect me. But I've been having these weird pains in my chest and shortness of breath, especially after climbing stairs or something. Last week, I got this weird feeling like my heart was racing, even when I was just sitting down watching TV. I did some online research, which I know is probably not the best idea, and I came across a bunch of different diseases of heart, like coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, and it just freaked me out more. I went to the doctor, and they said my blood pressure was a bit high but didn’t seem too worried. They scheduled an EKG for next week, but now I can't help but think about all these diseases of heart. Could what I’m feeling be related to something serious? Like, should I be prepared for bad news? I just don't know how worried I should be about diseases of heart and if there are specific symptoms or tests I should be asking for. Trying not to panic but it’s hard when you have family history. How do I take this more seriously without jumping to conclusions?
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Doctors’ responses
Concerns about your heart health, especially given your family history and current symptoms, are completely understandable. While it’s crucial not to jump to conclusions, being proactive can be a positive approach. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations can sometimes signal underlying heart conditions, but they’re also common symptoms for less serious issues like anxiety or even indigestion. The family history of heart disease does indeed mean you’re at a higher risk, which is why staying vigilant is smart. Key tests, like the EKG your doctor has scheduled, are a step in the right direction. An EKG can reveal abnormalities in your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. Beyond the EKG, depending on the results, your doctor might consider further tests like a stress test or echocardiogram to evaluate heart function.
You should monitor for any additional symptoms—such as severe chest pain, radiating pain to the arm or jaw, dizziness, or sustained shortness of breath—because these could suggest something more urgent, requiring immediate medical attention. Since your blood pressure is a bit high, managing risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle factors is critical. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and possibly medications if your doctor recommends them. It’s okay to ask your doctor about preventive strategies including cholesterol levels check, and whether a referral to a cardiologist might be appropriate. While waiting for your EKG, try not to over-research online, and instead focus on what you can control: your diet, smoking status, and exercise regimen. Your healthcare team will guide you based on your results, tailoring it to your specific needs.
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